
12. Ovarian Cancer Is Dangerous as Well
It’s troubling that there are no diagnostic tests specifically for ovarian cancer. Symptoms can start rapidly, leading to a severe case of ovarian cancer. Plus, it doesn’t help that the symptoms are vague. If you’re concerned about your risk of ovarian cancer or have a family history of it, be sure to speak with your doctor to see what you can do. Even blood testing doesn’t give doctors accurate information to provide a proper diagnosis. The American Cancer Society has studied the subject and found that only 20% of ovarian cancer is located at an early stage (via Prevention).
Symptoms of ovarian cancer vary between women and can affect various parts of the body, which is why it’s difficult to detect. These symptoms may include pain in the pelvis or abdomen, a lump in the stomach, nausea, feeling full, bloating, weight loss, indigestion, fatigue, and loss of appetite. If you have a combination of these symptoms or feel a painful lump in your abdomen, it’s critical to speak with your doctor immediately. This type of cancer can come on rather quickly, leading to severe symptoms and even death. If you’re at risk for ovarian cancer, ask your doctor for a CAT scan or MRI of your abdomen to be sure (via Prevention).